NFL Free Agency 2012: 8 Free Agents Who Will Be Worth Every Penny

Free agency is about finding the right fit for one's team rather than stockpiling stars as the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins have shown. However, adding depth to a team's strong point isn't necessarily bad if it's done at the right cost.

The list isn't solely highlighting the best players, but also factoring in their price tag, making each person well worth what they'll receive.

8. John Carlson

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Seems odd to find a player who missed all of last season on this list but it can be explained.

John Carlson will be signed for cheap and he has a good blocking-receiving combination. Teams will have to make sure his torn labrum is healed but if so, Carlson would be a great fit for a system like San Francisco's as a team's second tight end in a run heavy offense.

For the price, Seattle may as well resign Carlson and try to employ what they were attempting with Carlson and Zach Miller for 2011.

6. David Hawthorne

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David Hawthorne is being slept on in Seattle, but the linebacker has racked up 100 plus tackles in the previous three seasons. He's been durable, missing just two games in those three seasons, while being an upgrade from LeRoy Hill.

Only being 26, Hawthorne should be able to receive a four-year deal.

Hawthorne will find a home with a 4-3 team where he'll be able to play behind a big line like he has for the Seahawks. Possible landing spots include Tampa Bay, Indianapolis and Tennessee, or he could stay in Seattle.

3. Curtis Lofton

The Atlanta Falcons will have some decisions to make on defense. Not only is middle linebacker Curtis Lofton a free agent, John Abraham and Brent Grimes are up for new deals as well.

Mike Smith will need to keep what little pass rush his defense has so it may be up for Thomas Demitroff to choose between Grimes and Lofton. The smart bet says Lofton, the younger of the two, to stay in Atlanta.

Middle linebacker signings in recent past have been successful, including Karlos Dansby in Miami and Bart Scott in New York.

Lofton is a tackling machine and the Falcons' 4-3 needs to keep him covering the carpet in the Georgia Dome.

2. Brandon Lloyd

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St. Louis gave up a minimal amount to get Brandon Lloyd's services midway through the 2011 season, so the Rams won't feel obligated to keep the former Bear for Jeff Fisher.

With the new regime, there is no loyalty to Lloyd which doesn't mean the Rams shouldn't attempt to keep the receiver. Sam Bradford doesn't have any target better than Lloyd to look for and letting him go could stunt the young quarterback's growth.

A contending playoff team would be smart to snag up Lloyd, a 31-year old that thrives on route running and spectacular catches rather than blazing speed.

Any potential suitor would be signing Lloyd as a second receiver at best, a spot that would certainly suite a receiver who led the NFL in receiving yards just two years ago.

1. Drew Brees

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Don't expect Drew Brees to go anywhere, but New Orleans needs to avoid placing the franchise tag on their quarterback. Brees has revived the city and he runs one of the NFL's most complicated and demanding systems.

Locking the future Hall of Famer up for five-plus years would be well worth it. The Purdue product keeps himself in great shape and he shows no sign of slowing down.